Description
Book SynopsisBirkbeck traces the 200-year history of Birkbeck, University of London from its founding at a time when social elites deplored the notion of educated working people to the present day. Joanna Bourke writes a lively history of the institution, and how it contributed to the shaping of modern British higher education.
Trade ReviewThe book succeeds in establishing Birkbeck as unique and with many special achievements. There are illustrations...There is a great deal to cover but reading it will certainly help convince anyone of its contribution to the world. In the chapter on teaching Bourke reminds us that the nature of the student cohorts meant lecturers had to be entertaining as well as knowledgeable. She has extended this approach to this impressive book. * Tim Lomas, The Local Historian *
Table of ContentsPreface 1: Introduction Part I: From Mechanics to Graduates 2: The Crown and Anchor Tavern 3: Education for Whom? 4: Useful Knowledge 5: The Birkbeck Schools 6: Ravenscroft's Birkbeck Bank 7: Governing the College 8: What is a University? Part II: Pleasure and Preferences 9: Art and Architecture 10: Dancing the Polka 11: The New Woman 12: Minoritised Communities Part III: Student Life 13: 'Tea and Kippers' 14: Rabbits v. Hares; Or, Social Lives 15: Man v. Rabbits 16: Students' 'Joy-Night' Part IV: War and Politics 17: Worlds at War, 1914-1918 18: Worlds at War, 1939-1945 19: Reds in the Classroom 20: Radical Intellectuals Part V: Classrooms 21: Science in the World 22: Disciplines 23: Numerical Automation; Or, Computing 24: Paranormal Sciences 25: Teaching Part VI: Battles for Birkbeck 26: 'Birkbeck's Unique Mission?' 27: Containing the Crisis Part VII: Conclusion 28: Into the Twenty-First Century
